Europe steps up help for Ukraine

EUROPEAN officials are working to help Ukraine stay warm and keep functioning through the bitter winter months – pledging to send more support to mitigate the Russian military’s efforts to turn off the heat and lights.

Nine months after Russia invaded its neighbour, the Kremlin’s forces have zeroed in on Ukraine’s power grid.

Officials estimate around 50% of Ukraine’s energy facilities have been damaged in the recent strikes.

France is sending 100 high-powered generators to Ukraine to help people get through the coming months.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, arriving in Kyiv on Friday for an unannounced visit, said a promised air-defence package, which Britain valued at £50 million, will help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s bombardments.

The package includes radar and other technology to counter the Iran-supplied exploding drones that Russia has used.